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     September 11, 2011 marked the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that shocked and changed our great nation forever.  In the days and weeks that followed, the country came together in an unprecedented spirit of community and commitment. 
   
    To commemorate this historic time and pay tribute to those killed and those who rose to service on 9/11, HandsOn River Region, a program of the Volunteer and Information Center, organized numerous community service and remembrance projects throughout Montgomery, including projects designed for families and children at the Union Station Train Shed.

    The Volunteer & Information Center, in partnership with HandsOn Network, City of Montgomery and River Region United Way, planned a powerful weekend of events to engage and inspire thousands of individuals to promote service on this weekend and beyond in honor of 9/11.  More than 1,800 local volunteers rose to serve throughout the 9/11 weekend and joined more than 1 million nationwide for this national day of service.  Click here 9/11 Video to view a brief video of the events.

   The weekend began on Friday with United Way’s Corporate Day of Service.  23 area businesses granted 230 of their employees a 3-hour leave to work on projects that benefited 19 local agencies that serve our community’s most vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens, disabled and homeless veterans, victims of domestic violence and special needs children.

   The weekend culminated on Sunday, September 11^th with a full afternoon and evening of family-friendly activities.  Activities around Union Station Train Shed included multiple volunteer service projects, disaster preparedness and response information, safety training, a display of first-responder equipment and vehicles and entertainment provided by local musician Ed Pickett and the Alabama Full Gospel Baptist Choir, Gulf South District.   Activities at the Train Station, were followed by an evening tribute to the victims of 9/11 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. 

   The Tribute, organized by the City of Montgomery, featured guest speaker Chief Lawrence Schultz, Incident Commander and Operations Section Chief with the National Capital Region Incident Management Team. Chief Shultz previously served 25 years with the D.C. Fire Department and led the fire department’s response at the Pentagon on September 11. Chief Schultz was joined by other distinguished guests and elected officials.